The double spiral is worked the same as you would a single spiral, however you'll be working the second spiral as you go. Single spiral rope directions can be found at:
I've also created a page with examples of some of the Double Spirals that I've made and I invite you to send me pictures of your works to be included as inspiration for others.
**AT LONG LAST** It's simple, it's crude, it's illustrated: Double Spiral
For the double spiral, you'll want to use Japanese size 8o beads for the 'core' beads as you'll be making several passes through these. For your 'spirals', choose two complimentary colors of size 11o beads and a size 8o to use with each of these colors.
This uses up a lot of thread, so use as long a length as you feel comfortable with.
Start as you would the single spiral chain. String on 4 core beads, 3 size 11o beads, an 8o bead and 3 more 11o beads (Color A). Leave a long enough 'tail' so that you can add a clasp when you've finished. Pass your needle through all of these beads to form a circle, then go through the 4 core beads once again. Push the grouping of spiral beads to your left.
You'll now be adding the beads to start your second spiral. It will help if you think of the chain as having a front and back or a left and right.
Take your second color of beads and pick up 3 size 11o beads, an 8o bead and 3 more 11o beads (Color B). Pass your needle up through the 4 core beads and push this set of beads to your right.
** Pick up one core bead and another set of the Color A beads. Count down 3 core beads and pass your needle up through these, but DO NOT go through the core bead that you just added. Push this set of beads to your left.
Now, turn your work over so that your second color of beads (Color B) is to your left. Pick up your second color of beads, count down 3 core beads and pass the needle up through these. You will now also go through the 'new' core bead that you added when you picked up the first set of beads (color A).
Turn your work back over again so that Color A is on your left and Color B is on your right. Continue in this manner from the ** and you'll soon see the spirals wrapping themselves around each other!
